Problem Set 3
Fall 2008
Due: Beginning of class, Monday, 22 September.
Reference: Slides on Web Design
Pick a commercial web site (ie, a site ending in .com) and provide a written
analysis of the site using the principals of design discussed in class. In particular,
talk about the following aspects of the site. You can include screen shots of the site if
it will help your description.
- Give the name of the organization sponsoring the site.
- Who is the audience? Why do you think this? List at least 4 characteristics of the target
audience.
- What are the goals of the site? List at least 6 goals.
- Create a flow chart of the site's structure. You only have to go 4 levels deep and you
don't have to have a box for every page, but you must indicate where there are multiple pages.
- How is navigation organized? Describe the various techniques and navigational aides used
on the site to provide navigation. Describe any navigational aides (eg menus, site maps, cascading
titles, etc).
Is there a consistent navigational mechanism across all pages? If so, describe it.
- Can the site be searched? What interface technique is used to provide searching?
- How is the "corporate" identity kept across pages?
- Describe the look and feel of the site. What colors are used consistently on the site? Are
there symbols or other images that are used? How is color balanced? What contrast is used>
How do you know that you are on this company's site when you are several layers down into the site?
- Describe the layout of the site. In other words, what is the alignment of images, text and other
elements on the top level page/pages; what type of text is used, is scrolling necessary and, if it is,
how is it used; are frames used? etc.
Is the layout consistent across all pages in the site?
- Describe any feedback mechanisms available on the site (forms, discussion boards,
chats, etc).
- Describe any animation used in the site. How does the animation add to the effectiveness
of the site?
